Oral microbiota & cancer 

In recent years, the presence of microorganisms has been evidenced in a wide variety of tumors, and now it is also known as oncobiome. Defining the role of microbiota, its involvement in the initiation, progression or even the response to the treatment of cancer is a challenge for the current scientific community. In our group, we are interested in the contribution of oral-related bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, on tumor development.

Currently, we are collaborating with the microbiology team from the University Hospital and the Biomedical Research Institute of  A Coruña to explore the oral, fecal and tumor microbiota of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We are studying the diversity and activity of the microbiota in order to gain insights into the potential  bacterial mechanisms that could be promoting tumorigenesis. Knowing what and how will allow us to develop new and more precise microbial-based tools for the diagnostic, prevention and even treatment of CRC.

RNA profile of a tumor sample from a colon cancer patient for metatranscriptomic analysis and/or genetic expression profiling of the microorganisms present.

Participants:PhD. Elena Buetas Giménez and Research Assistant Miriam Oliver.

Selected publications:

• Mira-Pascual, L., Cabrera-Rubio, R., Ocon, S., Costales, P., Parra, A., Suarez, A., Morris F., Rodrigo L., Mira A., Collado, M.C. (2015). Microbial mucosal colonic shifts associated with the development of colorectal cancer reveal the presence of different bacterial and archaeal biomarkers. Journal of gastroenterology, 50(2), 167-179.